MICHAEL RICKETTS hasn't spoken to the media for three years, which is understandable after his amazing fall from grace.

In fact, he's probably talked more to the Samaritans as his career nose-dived from England international to Leeds discard.

However, Ricketts, the man who had forgotten how to score, is on the mark again after two goals in successive games for Cardiff. That might not sound a big deal, but it surely is for a man who hadn't scored in the previous 20 months.

Ricketts slumped from England star with Bolton four years ago, through two miserable years at Middlesbrough - and then an even greater torment at Leeds, where he failed to score in the league.

That's why the Yorkshire side were more than happy to farm him out on loan to Cardiff.

Now, at the age of 26, he is determined to launch a second coming. His two goals for the struggling Welsh side earned them victories over Leicester and Palace in the space of five days. So why the dramatic change in fortune?His team-mate Jeff Whitley has his theory.

"When you go to a new club, it's a new beginning. You can leave what's happened behind you and start again," said the midfielder.

"That's the way football is, and it's working for Michael. Being here is a breath of fresh air for him."

Cardiff boss Dave Jones has only one concern clouding his own delight: "It's fantastic for Michael. We have talked with Leeds about the deal becoming permanent," he said. "Now, if he carries on like this, I don't know what will happen.

Ricketts struck the decisive goal midway through a first half that Cardiff dominated.

Palace however, clearly missing injured England star Andy Johnson, came close to snatching a point in a frantic closing half hour, when Cardiff's goal was under siege.

Instead, manager Iain Dowie was left to curse an away record that now stretches to 19 games without a victory.

He said: "That concerns me. If we are to make a challenge to get back into the Premiership, that is something we have to put right."